It goes without saying that Yosemite National Park forever will be the greatest recreational draw for visitors and residents alike. But as spectacular as the scenery is, it alone doesn’t create close-knit communities. Neighbors socializing with neighbors turn an address into a home. Here is a peek at a handful of the entertainment and recreational opportunities in Eastern Madera County:

EVENTS

Pow-Wows
The Chuckchansi and Mono American Indian tribes still living in the area continue to hold many gatherings, native dances and Pow-Wows. Both tribes demonstrate and teach basket weaving — look for examples of this fine art work for sale in many of the local shops.

Bass Lake Fireworks
Ok, you’ve seen fireworks. You’ve seen awesome displays over the Statue of Liberty in New York City. You’ve witnessed the skies washed in color across the globe to ring in the year 2000. You’ve anticipated the techno-wizardry of the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies.

But if you haven’t relaxed on a boat and seen fireworks light up the night and reflected in the clear waters of Bass Lake, you can’t say you’ve truly enjoyed fireworks. There’s only one word for our version: breathtaking!

Mountain Peddlers Fair
Now in its 28th year, Oakhurst’s Mountain Peddlers Fair, held twice each year (Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends) is a first-class affair. It is the largest street fair in Madera County. Expect live entertainment, tractor displays, antiques, crafts, commercial goods, the latest in gizmos and gadgets, food court, inflatable rides for the kids, pottery, jewelry and more. This is a shopper’s paradise. When you finish shopping at the Oakhurst Mountain Peddlers Fair, stay the night, rest up and plan for another great day of shopping at the Coarsegold Peddlers Fair. The Oakhurst show grew so large, Coarsegold started another show to take on the overflow. It is now almost as large as the Oakhurst show.

North Fork Logger’s Jamboree
Take a step-back-in-time to experience the timber trades. This great event features a variety of interesting logging competitions. Held the fourth of July weekend, it is a sure hit for the entire family.

Oakhurst Fall Festival
Art displays, wine tasting, food prepared by local restaurants, pumpkin carving, live music, games, gifts, and crafts make this an anticipated event to entertain adults and children alike.

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Fresno Flats Historical Park
Fresno Flats Historical Park recaptures the flavor of 19th-century life in this secluded part of California. The pioneers who settled here mainly came to build their lives and raise their families, so they planned from the start to earn their living as farmers, merchants and by using the rich natural resources of the mountains.

Both of the two restored homes that comprise the museum have been designated as Points of Historical Interest by the State of California. Historians call attention to the unique construction styles restored by the volunteers of Sierra Historic Sites Association (SHSA) — designs no longer in use anywhere else in the state. A pair of one-room schools, two 19th-century jails and several other farm buildings complete the historical park.

The museum complex is open from dawn to dusk for self-guided tours of the grounds, and picnic areas and restrooms are available. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guided tours of the grounds and buildings are available from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations for group tours may be made by calling 559-683-6570.

Yosemite Snowmobile Tours
Yosemite Snowmobile Tours is ready to take you on a HEATED Snowmobile Tour through Yosemite back country. You will see the mountains and all the beauty it has to offer as never before. Experienced guides will show you snow, sun and good times. The tour stops half-way for some heated beverages (non-alcoholic) and snow play. Children and adults of all ages welcomed. Reservations are needed, as the tours sell out every holiday period and weekend.

Sierra Sled Dog Adventures
Your adventure begins as your team is harnessed and you settle into the sled. When your guide pulls the hook, you and your team surge forward. You are off to explore the winter wonderland of the Sierra. Your guide and a team of incredible athletes take you through beautiful snow-covered meadows and along frozen creeks. Come and join us for the experience of a lifetime.

T-Tours 866-4T-Tours
Step back in time for an unforgettable and romantic vacation experience. Take a Model “T” Ford for a drive into the Sierra National Forest, around Bass Lake, or into Yosemite National Park for the day. You will be given instructions on how to drive your Model “T” Ford and then it’s yours for the entire tour.

Rafting
The best of California whitewater rafting is what you will find at Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. They are one of California’s original and most experienced whitewater rafting outfitters, offering exceptional California whitewater trips on the Kings, Tuolumne, Merced, and American rivers, all near Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks.

Ride the Rails - 683-7273
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. A section of the original rail bed has been reconstructed using the same techniques used at the turn of the century. Two vintage Shay steam locomotives have been brought in from the Westside Lumber Company and restored to provide authentic motive power for the trains.

Mountain Biking
Mountain biking on trails ranging from easy to challenging is yours on a vast network of trails, fire roads and old railroad grades in the area. Mountain bikers can ride for hours and never see a soul!

Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing is a major sport in the Bass Lake area. The Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding the Pines Resort are a world class climbing destination!

Sierra Fly Fishing
Sierra Fly Fisher Tours of California’s Yosemite National Park and the majestic High Sierra offers up some great fly fishing opportunities. Sierra Fly Fisher Tours offers the finest guided trips, classes and camps in California’s Sierra Nevada, including fishing in Yosemite’s Upper Tuolumne and Merced rivers, and the San Joaquin and Kings rivers. Fly fisherman will enjoy quality fishing conditions on uncrowded waters.

Horse Packing/Camping - 683-7611
Yosemite Trails has been serving visitors from around the world for over 35 years. No matter what your riding experience, there’s a horse for you. Enjoy a one or two hour trail ride through the forest, past lush meadows and along meandering streams or longer rides exploring the Giant Sequoias in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove. Enjoy their “Chuck-Wagon Jamboree” too.

Golden Chain Theatre - 683-7112
Melodrama is a long time fixture at Oakhurst’s Golden Chain Theatre. Quality melodramas throughout the summer season have audiences booing and hissing their way through hilarious old-time theatre.

Mountain Mysteries - 877-660-4845
The newest entertainment venue in Oakhurst is dinner and a show at Sweetwater Steakhouse and Saloon. Enjoy Mountain Mysteries, comedy, murder-mystery dinner theatre and a great meal, every Friday and Saturday evening from May through mid October. Comedy, Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre — You’ll laugh so hard you’ll cry. Or DIE!! They also welcome private shows and special groups.

Note: Chamber member phone numbers are provided with the activities listed above.